The Power of Tummy Time: Why Prone Play Matters

The Power of Tummy Time: Why Prone Play Matters
by Jessica Marc

In today’s fast-paced, container-heavy world, opportunities for infants to explore movement freely on the floor are diminishing. As part of my capstone project, I explored the developmental impact of prone positioning, commonly known as tummy time, in infancy. The evidence is clear: prone play is more than just a milestone checklist. It is foundational for motor development, postural control, and sensory exploration.

What Is Prone Play?

Prone play refers to any time an infant is positioned on their stomach while awake and supervised. This seemingly simple position activates a complex network of muscle groups and sensory systems. In the early months, it encourages head control, core strength, and weight bearing through the arms, all of which are important for crawling, sitting, and eventually walking.

Key Findings from the Literature

1. Early Introduction and Consistency Matter (Sampaio et al., 2024)

• Infants who participated in a structured prone play program showed significantly improved gross motor skills by 6 months of age compared to the control group. These infants had more frequent experiences in tummy time, reinforcing the value of early and consistent practice.

2. A Practical Dose-Response Relationship (Felzer-Kim et al., 2020)

• Short durations of prone positioning each day, around 30 minutes, can make a measurable difference in an infant’s motor development. Caregiver education and modeling are essential in helping families feel confident supporting this position.

3. Sensory, Motor, and Cognitive Gains (Hewitt et al., 2020)

• Prone  positioning not only supports strength and coordination but may also contribute to enhanced visual tracking, spatial awareness, and early exploration behaviors. The review also highlighted the role of prone play in reducing the risk of positional plagiocephaly, otherwise known as flat head syndrome.

Practical Implications for Caregivers and Clinicians

The research highlights the importance of embedding prone play into daily routines, starting as early as the first few weeks of life. It is not about forcing a baby to tolerate long sessions. Instead, the goal is to provide frequent, positive exposures that build with the child’s abilities. Using simple tools like mirrors, colorful toys, and caregiver interaction can make tummy time an engaging part of the day.

Final Thoughts

Prone play is a gateway to movement. It is not just preparation for crawling. It is an active, enriching way for infants to engage with their environment. As occupational therapists, caregivers, and early childhood professionals, we can advocate for tummy time not just as a developmental recommendation but as a critical foundation for exploration, independence, and motor learning. 

References

Felzer-Kim, I. T., Erickson, K., Adkins, C., & Hauck, J. L. (2020). Wakeful prone "tummy time" during infancy: How can we help parents? Physical & Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics, 40(6), 651–668. https://doi.org/10.1080/01942638.2020.1742847

Hewitt, L., Kerr, E., Stanley, R. M., & Okely, A. D. (2020). Tummy time and infant health outcomes: A systematic review. Pediatrics, 145(6), e20192168. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2019-2168

Sampaio, S. S. S., Amorim Rodrigues, N. A., Souza, T. L. G., Moura, J. R., Azevedo, I. G., Lima-Alvarez, C. D., & Pereira, S. A. (2024). Cognitive and motor improvement by tummy time practice in preemies from low-income settings: A randomized clinical trial. Frontiers in Psychology, 15, 1289446. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1289446